As the lights went down for this much-anticipated show, a soulful rock
ballad filled the darkened studio. Almost instantly, a few concert-savvy
onlookers began waving tiny lights in the air, then more appeared and
finally it seemed the whole audience was in synch with neon cellphone
monitors swaying to the pensive beat. How fitting a fanfare for this
fashion-rock goddess, the diva of beadhead and the daring 6-inch rise.
What followed was another spontaneous eruption - of boldly sexy and
ultra-wearable denim separates. The Frankie B. label exemplifies Los Angeles
style and this collection showcased the most sophisticated offerings ever.
On every must-have list were the diaphanous silk chiffon tops in paisley
print - some with beaded details, tunic slits and others with retro
smocking. A beaded jacket in Orchid revved up signature lowrise jeans,
music-insider slogan tees upped the hip factor and Lurex trenches provided
delicious sizzle. This was beatnik style, ghetto-fabulous with an Afro-Cuban
vibe all rolled into one. And who on the West Coast doesn't dream of looking
like that?

Models strutted the
rattan-covered runway in platform wedges, with disheveled locks and
blissfully incognito thanks to the recent launch of oversized Frankie B.
sunshades in conjunction with San Francisco-based eyestyle. Showing her
most polished and feminine personality for this collection, Daniella Clark
built on subtle references introduced last season, and hinted that another
local micro-brand might be poised for global expansion.